Tale of 2 Smiths

[Anothergrumpyoldman]

I have 2 old Smiths I wanted to talk about. One is a 1905 4th change made in 1929. I got it about 2 years ago. It came with original and a set of jigged bone grips. It is in great condition. Because of its age, I don't shoot it much and only use mild lead handloads.
The second one is a sad story. It is a 1902 I bought a few months ago. A co-worker wanted me to look at it. He said it was his father's. He could not get it to shoot anywhere near point of aim. It turned out the barrel and part of the frame was bent up slightly. There is a flat spot near the muzzle that is probably where it caught and was bent, though how I don't know. The co-worker decided to sell it to me. That is the good part of the story. I got it for $20.00 including a box and a half of Remington Targetmaster wadcutters. I told him the gun with the ammo was worth more even as a wallhanger. He insisted that was all he wanted, because he knew I liked to collect old guns and would appreciate owning it. Enclosed are some pics. This my first time posting pics so the quality is not good. Any help with pic posting would be appreciated.

 

[tlmetesh]

Very cool story!

 

[DWalt]

Is it obvious that both the frame and the barrel are bent? From the picture, it looks more like just the barrel. It can be straightened.

 

[Hondo44]

Well it's just not that sad of a story. Yes it can be straightened.

My former gunsmith now retired was also the city and county police armorer back in the days when revolvers were used by most all law enforcement agencies. He was S&W factory trained. One day he shocked me fixing a police revolver with the same problem as yours, and it was the factory method!

And something so easy to do, you might try it. Actually you've got nothing to lose as bad as you describe the gun. The factory method is to whack the barrel back into alignment with a babbitt hammer. However a lead bar or ingot will work just as well.

If you cast bullets, you'll likely have one or know someone that does. Tape the barrel with blue masking tape or any kind to protect the finish. Give the barrel a good whack where it's thickest up close to the frame. or get a piece of brass rod very close to the bore size of the barrel. Insert in the barrel with 6" sticking out of the muzzle. Strike the brass rod downward.

Do it at the range and test fire by using a bench rest in between blows to check your progress. As crude as it sounds, that's how it's done.

Or find an old gunsmith or S&W repair station and have them check the muzzle crown or re-crown if needed. A dented muzzle will affect accuracy too.

Then sell your coworker's family heirloom back to him!

 

[Anothergrumpyoldman]

Hondo44,

I actually have tried the brass rod idea and got it a little straighter. The rod was too small and bent. I have a oversize diameter rod I need to trim and will try again. So I guess I am using an old factory approved method. The muzzle was flattened on the bottom and I reamed it. It will need to be re-crowned. Don't know if it is worth it. The single action sear is worn out, but the timing is good in DA mode. Two gunsmiths told me it would not be worth it to repair, so I'll fix it the best I can. I had already told my co-worker that if I could repair it , he can have it back. He told me no and to enjoy messing with it. He has his dad's 27-2 in a presentation case, so he is more than happy with that. I appreciate your info. Thanks.